P0497: Evaporative Emission System Low Purge Flow
Less fuel vapour flows from the charcoal canister to the engine than expected.
Normal risk
Safe to drive. Have it checked at the next opportunity.
Short answer · Can I keep driving with P0497?
Yes. The car drives normally, but fuel vapour may not be cleared from the canister and a fuel smell is possible. Have it checked when convenient.
What does P0497 mean?
Code P0497 means the engine control unit opened the purge valve but saw too little effect, for example almost no change in mixture or tank pressure. A purge valve that stays closed, a blocked or disconnected purge line or a blocked canister are typical causes.
What the car does when the code is set
The check engine light comes on. The engine may start with difficulty right after refuelling and idle unevenly, because extra fuel vapour enters the intake. Fuel trims may also become strongly negative.
How the system works
The purge valve sits between the charcoal canister and the intake manifold. When the engine runs under the right conditions, the engine control unit opens it in pulses so the engine can draw in and burn the stored fuel vapour. When the valve is closed, no vapour should reach the engine. The control unit checks this by watching the tank pressure or the fuel trims while it commands the valve closed. If vapour still flows, it stores a high purge flow code.
Common symptoms
Possible causes
Listed without ranking. The cause on your car depends on make, engine and mileage — see the maker notes below.
- Blocked purge line or valveA kinked or blocked hose, or a purge valve that does not open, stops the vapour flow.
- Purge valve stuck openThe valve does not close, so vapour flows into the intake all the time.
- Wiring faultA short in the control circuit keeps the valve open.
- Saturated or damaged canisterCharcoal particles can block or damage the valve.
How it is diagnosed
- Test the valve with the engine offDisconnect the valve and blow or apply vacuum through it: with no power, most purge valves should be closed.
- Check engine behaviour after refuellingHard starting or rough idle right after refuelling is typical for a purge valve stuck open.
- Check the wiringMake sure the valve is not permanently powered or grounded.
- Replace the valveClear the code and let the system run its self-test again.
Questions about P0497
Is P0497 the opposite of P0496?
Yes. P0496 means too much vapour flows, often through a valve stuck open. P0497 means too little flows, often through a valve that does not open or a blocked line.
Why is my car hard to start after filling up?
A purge valve stuck open lets fuel vapour into the intake while refuelling, which floods the engine for the next start.
Can a stuck purge valve damage the canister?
Over time, liquid fuel can reach the canister and saturate the charcoal. That is why it should be fixed soon.